Memphis apparatus MVA: new "Move Over" law

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Posted by Theo Travers

Firefighter accident illuminates 'Move Over' law

Nov 20, 2006 06:52 PM EST

News 3, Memphis, TN

 

MEMPHIS, TN - Sadly, it's a reality that rushing to the scene of an emergency can quickly become an emergency for first responders when drivers on the road fail to yield for emergency vehicles.  Just ask the two firefighters injured in a wreck Sunday night. 

They were on their way to a house fire in the 3200 block of Perkins when a SUV pulled out of a side street into the path of the fire truck.  To avoid hitting the car, the fire truck slammed into a First Tennessee bank.

Lt. Keith Staples, spokesperson for the Memphis Fire Department, says, "They were exercising all precautions in terms of lights and sirens and this vehicle turned in front of them."

Lt. Staples knows first hand the dangers first responders face.  He was a driver with the Memphis Fire Department for more than three years.

"When we respond to a call," says Staples, "We're requesting the right of way with lights and sirens." But often many drivers disregard that request. 

News Channel 3 has exclusive video recorded by the Memphis Fire Department that shows time after time drivers ignoring the sirens and blocking emergency vehicles on their way to potentially life-threatening calls for help. 

Research shows common driving distractions like cell phones and loud music play a role. Even modern conveniences are a contributing factor. 

"The manufacturers of vehicles are making cars more airtight and resistant to noise, so it may be difficult at times to hear the trucks," Staples adds.

But if you hear the sirens, you better move.  Tennessee is cracking down on road hogs with the new 'Move Over' law.  Get caught blocking an emergency vehicle, you could be stuck with a fine of up to $500.

The firefighters who were injured Sunday night were treated, released from the hospital, and are back on the job.  Officials say this incident is a frightening reminder of how important the "Move Over" law is. 

As of Monday afternoon, Memphis police have not caught up with the driver of the SUV that caused Sunday night's fire truck accident.

- Posted by Theo Travers

[IzzyEng4 427]

GOOD!! You don;t know how many times I've encountered a near crash because someone not paying attention while they area driving has nearly caused an accident and it usually 1 out of 10 that are like this.

All of us drivers here have experienced this especially when we are trying to get our crews there safely. Its about time.